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   William “Bill” Whittnebeen was born on November 30, 1938, to Evelyn and William Whitnebeen in Duluth, Minnesota.  After graduating from Vocational School in Minneapolis, he served in the Army from 1959-1962.

   After a long courtship, he married the love of his life, Coralie Downes, on September 30, 1967.  The happy couple lived in Minneapolis and Maple Lake while he worked for the Minneapolis Water Department. After retiring, his love of northern Minnesota helped bring the couple to move to Longville, Minnesota, where they resided on another Maple Lake. Recently they moved to Watertown, South Dakota, to be closer to family to help with care.  

   Bill was a very active member of the Royal Ranger program for over 46 years from 1978-2024. Besides his family, many children referred to him as “Uncle Bill.” He was always that great uncle who would take the time to help children, especially learning cribbage or anything outdoors.  

In his early years, Bill very much enjoyed stock car racing and working on cars. His entire life found him outdoors hunting, trapping, fishing, and snowmobiling. Some of his other favorite activities were traveling with his wife, Coralie, and he would never turn down a game of cribbage with anyone.

   If you ever were fortunate enough to travel with Bill, you would have heard his famous saying, “If you’re not 10 minutes early, you’re late!” At family reunions at Sibley State Park for over fifty years, you would find him making his famous lemonade or enjoying games of cribbage with the family. He was truly beloved by all.

   A celebration of life has been set for August 17, 2024, at the Royal Ranger Campground in Pillager, Minnesota.

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